Apparatus, system, and method for attaching a paint brush to a paint container

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method for painting using a holder having a first loop portion configured to receive an edge of a paint container, and second loop configured to receive an edge of a paint container, and a clip for releasably receiving a paint applicator such as a paint brush. Each loop portion may be positioned at a different location on the holder, and may have an opening facing in a common or in an opposite direction to the opening of the other loop portion. Additional loop portions may also be provided, at different locations and/or having openings pointing in different directions.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/515,945, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2003, and to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/549,628, which was filed on Mar. 3, 2004, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to painting, and more particular to anapparatus, system, and method for painting by releasably securing apaint brush to a paint container using a holder. The holder has one ormore loops for securing the holding device to a paint container, andalso has a clip for securing a paint brush or similar item to theholder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Painting can be a time-consuming process. It is often necessary tointerrupt a painting job prior to completion, as where a user is in needof a work break. Even when such interruptions do not occur, there isoften a need for a user to set a particular paint applicator aside, asmay occur when the user needs to switch to a different applicator. Forexample, a user may need to switch from a large paint brush useful forpainting large wall sections to a small paint brush useful for paintingtrim pieces. Simply setting a brush into a paint container canpermanently deform or otherwise damage the brush bristles. The brush mayalso fall entirely into the container, getting paint on the brushhandle, which can lead to a mess when the user retrieves the brush byits paint-covered handle. Placing the brush aside outside of the paintcontainer can also create an unwanted mess, and may also lead to dryingof the paint on the brush bristles. When a brush is thus dried out, itis often ruined.

Accordingly, there has been a need for an improved apparatus, system,and method for painting whereby a user can easily set aside a particularpaint applicator without damaging the applicator or creating unnecessarymess. The present invention satisfies one or more of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention permits a brush or other paint applicator, such asa pad or roll, to be secured to a paint container with the bristles orother painting surface in contact with the paint, or above the paint, orin various positions selected by the user. Using the present invention,the user can take work breaks, switch back and forth between differentpaint applicators, and otherwise interrupt his use of paint applicatorswithout risking damage to the brush or unnecessary mess.

One embodiment of the invention is a painting kit including a paintapplicator, a paint container, and a holder configured to releasablyhold a paint applicator and to releasably receive an edge of the paintcontainer. The paint applicator can be a brush, pad, roller, or anyother type of paint applicator. The paint container can be a bucket,tray, can, or other type of paint container. The holder can be formedfrom a variety of materials, such as metal, plastics (such aspolypropylene or other polymers), ceramics, and/or various composites.In one embodiment, the holder is injection molded plastic.

An embodiment of the invention is a painter's brush holder configured tohold a paint brush or other paint applicator when the applicator is notin immediate use by a painter. The brush holder can be configured to fitall sizes of brushes, and to easily slip and/or snap onto all sizes ofpaint containers, including buckets, pails, trays, or paint cans. Whilein use, the brush holder grips the brush handle, ferrule (metal band),or other portion of the paint brush and can allow the bristles to standin the paint, keeping the bristles moist and in shape, and alsopreventing unwanted paint build-up or dripping. The brush holder canalso be used to keep the brush bristles above the paint. The brushholder can be used to hold the brush while the painter is otherwiseoccupied, such as may be the case where the painter is taking a break orusing another paint brush or similar applicator. After the painting jobis done, the brush holder can be used to store the brush for future use.

The holder can have a first loop, second loop, and even a third loop.Each loop is configured to receive the edge of a paint container. Theloops may be positioned at different locations on the holder, and mayhave openings facing in a common direction or in different directions.The loops may define opening larger than the edge of the paintcontainer, or may be small enough to squeeze the edge of the paintcontainer when the edge is placed within the loop. The loop may includeone or more ridges within its opening to provide additional security.The holder can be used to position a paint applicator above the paintsurface, in contact with the paint, or even on the outside of the paintcontainer.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a attached to apaint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a attached to apaint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a attached to apaint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 a attached to apaint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to a furtherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 with paintbrushes releasably secured thereon according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 secured toa paint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 secured toa paint container and holding paint brushes according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 secured to a paintcontainer and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 secured to a paintcontainer and holding a paint brush according to a further embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 secured to apaint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 17 secured to apaint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b depict a paint brush holder 10 according to anembodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 10 comprises a firstend 12 having a first loop portion 14 thereon. The paint brush holder 10also includes a second end 16 having a second loop portion 18 thereon.The paint brush holder 10 further includes a brush clip 20 configured toreleasably receive and/or grip a paint brush, thereby releasablysecuring the paint brush to the paint brush holder 10. In the embodimentdepicted, the brush clip 20 is positioned on the first loop portion 14of the first end 12. The brush clip 20 could also be positionedelsewhere on the paint brush holder 10, depending on the particularapplication.

FIG. 2 depicts the paint brush holder of FIG. 1 a positioned on a paintcontainer 22. The first loop portion 14 is configured to receive theedge 24 of the paint container 22 therein, in order to enable the paintbrush holder 10 to be hung on the paint container 22. In the embodimentof FIG. 2, the configuration of the paint brush holder 10 on the paintcontainer 22 positions the brush clip 20 in a raised position.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except that a paint brush 24 is releasablysecured to the brush clip 20. In accordance with the invention, thepaint brush 24 could be positioned so that the paint bristles 26 were incontact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paintin the container 22.

FIG. 4 depicts the paint brush holder of FIG. 1 a positioned on a paintcontainer 22 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Thesecond loop portion 18 is configured to receive the edge 24 of the paintcontainer 22 therein, in order to enable the paint brush holder 10 to behung on the paint container 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, theconfiguration of the paint brush holder 10 on the paint container 22positions the brush clip 20 in a lowered position.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, except that a paint brush 24 is releasablysecured to the brush clip 20. In accordance with the invention, thepaint brush 24 could be positioned so that the paint bristles 26 were incontact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paintin the container 22.

Although the embodiments described above in FIGS. 2-5 have the brushholder 10 positioned on the paint container 22 so that brush clip 20 andpaint brush 24 are located in and/or above the interior of the paintcontainer 22, the device could also be used to hang or otherwise securethe paint brush 24 on the outside of the paint container. For example,the brush holder 10 could be positioned on the paint container 22 withthe brush clip 20 on the outside of the paint container 22, so that apaint brush 24 secured to the brush clip 20 would hang or otherwise besecured outside of the paint container.

The device as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 has a resilient brush clip 20. Ifthe paint brush portion (e.g., paint brush handle) is larger than theopening of the brush clip 20, the brush clip 20 will expand to receivethe paint brush portion, and will securely grip the paint brush portionuntil the paint brush 22 is removed from the brush clip 20. The brushclip 20 as depicted can be formed from resilient material, to rapidly orslowly return to its original shape when the paint brush is removed.Depending on the particular application, the brush clip 20 may beconfigured to immediately return to its original shape after the brushis removed, to slowly return to its original shape when the brush isremoved, or to permanently remain in a deformed (or partially deformed)state after the brush is removed. The brush 20 may also be configured tobe non-deformable, depending on the particular application and desiredpaint application tool.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 has large open loop portions 14, 18 thatcan, depending on the particular application (including theconfiguration of the particular paint container), hang loosely on theedge of the paint container 22. These permit the paint brush holder 10to be easily lifted off of the paint container 22. The loop portionscould be made tighter so that the edge of the paint container issqueezed within a loop portion.

The device 10 according to FIGS. 1-5 may, depending on the particularapplication, be formed from any number of materials, or combinationsthereof, including, for example, metals, plastics (such as polypropyleneor other polymers), ceramics, and/or various composites.

FIGS. 6-8 depict a paint brush holder 30 according to a furtherembodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 30 has a first end32 having a first loop portion 34 for attaching to a paint container,and a second end 36 with a second loop portion 38 for attaching to apaint container. In the embodiment depicted, the first loop portion 34includes ridges 42 that help to secure the edge of a paint containerwithin the first loop portion 34. One or more of such ridges could beincluded at the second loop portion 38. The tips 35, 39 of the loopportions are flared slightly away from the body of the paint brushholder 30 to facilitate the introduction of an edge of a paint containerinto each loop portion.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 8, the gaps 33, 37 in therespective loop portions are relatively small, so that a paint containeredge forced into the gap will press the loop portion outward, with theresult that the paint container edge is squeezed within the gap in theparticular loop portion.

A brush clip 40 is secured to the paint brush holder 30. In theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the brush clip 40 is positioned on thefirst loop portion 34. Depending on the particular application, however,the brush clip 40 could be positioned elsewhere on the paint brushholder 30. In the embodiment shown, the ends 41 of the brush clip 40 areflared out to facilitate introduction of a paint brush into the brushclip 40.

Note that the size and dimensions of a paint brush holder according tothe invention can vary widely, depending on the particular application,including factors such as the size of the paint container and the sizeof the paint applicators involved. For example, a paint brush holderconfigured to hold a paint roller may have a relatively small clip forsecurely holding a small brush handle, or for holding the wire-likeportion that connects the roller handle to the roller portion of somepaint rollers. The paint brush holder might alternatively have a muchlarger clip intended to secure the thicker handle portion of a largepaint brush or a paint roller handle to the paint brush holder. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 7, paint brush holder 30 has an overalllength of 5.5 inches, the first and second loop portions 34, 38 eachhave a length of 1.258 inches, the gaps 33, 37 have widths 33 a, 37 a of0.064 inches, and the brush clip 40 has a length 40 a of about 0.5inches.

FIG. 8 depicts the end 32 of the brush holder 30, along with the brushclip 40. The brush clip 40 has an opening 43 configured to receive abrush handle. The opening 43 has an entrance width 43 a, and an internalwidth 43 b. The widths 43 a and 43 b can vary according to theparticular embodiment, taking into account factors such as the size ofthe brush handle. For example, in one embodiment width 43 a could be0.355 inches, with width 43 b being 0.625 inches.

FIG. 9 shows two brush holders 30 a, 30 b with paint brushes 44 a, 44 bsecured thereto. Depending on the configuration of the particular brushclip 40 and the size and configuration of the paint brush 44, the paintbrush will be rigidly held by the brush clip or will be loosely held soas to hang from the brush clip.

FIG. 10 depicts two brush holders 30 a, 30 b secured to a paintcontainer 46. The first brush holder 30 a is positioned on the paintcontainer 46 with its brush clip 40 a in a raised position, while thesecond brush holder 30 b is positioned on the paint container 46 withits brush clip 40 b in a lowered position.

FIG. 11 depicts two brush holders 30 a, 30 b secured to a paintcontainer 46. The first brush holder 30 a is positioned on the paintcontainer 46 with its brush clip 40 a in a raised position, and with apaint brush 44 a in the brush clip 40 a. The second brush holder 30 b ispositioned on the paint container 46 with its brush clip 40 b in alowered position, and with a paint brush 44 a in the brush clip 40 a.

Almost any portion of the paint brush 44 could be held by the clip,depending on the particular application, including the particular brushand brush holder. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict two approaches to securing apaint brush 44 to the paint brush holder 30 and paint container 46. InFIG. 12, the handle 48 of the paint brush 44 is positioned within thebrush clip 40. In FIG. 13, the central body 50 of the paint brush 44 issecured within the brush clip 40.

FIGS. 12 and 13 both depict the paint brush 44 positioned with itsbristles 52 in contact with the paint 54, which can prevent the brush 44from drying out during periods of non-use by the painter. The paintbrush holder 30 could also be used to hold the paint brush 44 with thebrush bristles 52 above (i.e., out of contact with) the paint 54, thusallowing excess paint to drain from the brush into the paint container46. Moreover, the paint brush holder 30 could be positioned on the paintcontainer 46 with the brush clip 40 on the outside of the paintcontainer 46, so that a paint brush 44 in the brush clip 40 would beheld outside of the paint container 46 in order to dry, such as may bedesirable prior to disposing of the brush.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8-13 have tight loop portions 34, 38 that maybe formed from resilient material so that the loop portions 34, 38 cangrip the edge of the paint container 46, thereby preventing the paintbrush holder 30 from being accidentally knocked off of the edge of thepaint container 46. The resilient material of the loop portions 34, 38also permits the brush holder 30 to be removed from the paint container46.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, more than one paint brush holder 30could be used in a single paint container. For example, one brush holdercould be used to hold a large brush or paint roller for painting largeareas, while another brush holder could be used to hold a smaller brushintended for painting detailed areas. Moreover, the paint brush holderof the invention could be used to hold many sizes of paint brushes andother paint applicators, including rollers and pads.

FIG. 14 depicts a paint brush holder 60 according to a furtherembodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 60 has a first endportion 62 and a second end portion 64. The first end portion 62 has afirst loop portion 66 for attaching to a paint container. The first loopportion has an opening 68 that faces toward the second end portion 64 ofthe holder 60. Depending on the particular application, however, thefirst loop portion 66 could be configured with the opening 68 facing inthe opposite direction, i.e., away from the second end portion 64, asdepicted in FIG. 15. In such an embodiment, the first end portion 62 mayextend past the end of the first loop portion 66. This additional lengthof the first end portion 62 helps to stabilize the paint brush holder 60when the first loop portion 66 is secured to a paint container.

The paint brush holder 60 depicted in FIG. 14 also has a second loopportion 70 positioned at or near the second end portion 64 for attachingthe holder 60 to a paint container. The opening 72 of the second loopportion 70 faces in the direction away from the first end portion 62.The tips 74, 76 of the loop portions are flared slightly away from thebody of the paint brush holder 60 to facilitate the introduction of anedge of a paint container into each loop portion. One or both of theloop portions 66, 70 may include ridges (not shown), such as the ridges42 in FIGS. 6-7, that help to secure the edge of a paint containerwithin the particular loop portion.

The holder 60 has a first side 78 and a second side 80. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 14, both the first loop portion 66 and thesecond loop portion 70 are positioned on the first side 78. Depending onthe particular application, however, the loop portions could bepositioned with one or both of the loop portions on either side 78, 80.The loop portions 66, 70 could also be positioned at various positionsalong the length of the brush holder 60.

A brush clip 82 is secured to the paint brush holder 60. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the brush clip 82 is positioned on thefirst loop portion 66. Depending on the particular application, however,the brush clip 82 could be positioned elsewhere on the paint brushholder 60. As was depicted in FIG. 6, the ends of the brush clip 82 maybe flared out to facilitate introduction of a paint brush into the brushclip 82.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the second end portion 64 extendspast the end of the second loop portion 70. This additional length ofthe second end portion 64 helps to stabilize the paint brush holder 60when the second loop portion 70 is secured to a paint container such asthe paint roller tray 84 depicted in FIG. 16. The extent of theadditional length depends on the particular holder and the desiredapplication. As an example, in an embodiment where the length of theholder (without the additional length) is on the order of 5.5 inches,the additional length may be on the order of 1 inch.

With holder 60 secured via the second loop portion 70 to the paintroller tray 84 as depicted in FIG. 16, the brush clip 82 is positionedin a raised position above the edge of the paint roller tray 84. A paintbrush 86 attached to the brush clip 82 is positioned with its bristles88 inside the paint roller tray 84. In accordance with the invention,the paint brush 86 can be positioned so that the paint bristles 88 arein contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) anypaint in the paint roller tray 84. In the embodiment depicted, theholder 60 is secured at the deep end 90 of the paint roller tray 84. Theholder 60 can be positioned elsewhere on the tray 84, however, dependingon the particular application. The holder 60 may also be positioned invarious manners to the tray 84, including the manner shown for theembodiment depicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 depicts a holder 60 similar to that depicted in FIGS. 14 and 16,but with an additional loop portion 92 at the second end portion 64 ofthe holder 60. The additional loop portion 92 has an opening 94 directedtoward the first end portion 62 of the holder 60. The additional loopportion 92 is configured to permit the holder 60 to be secured to apaint container with the paint brush clip 82 positioned below the rim ofthe paint container, similar to the manner depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11for the holder 30 b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the first loop portion 66 has an opening68 that faces toward the second end portion 64 of the holder 60.Depending on the particular application, however, the first loop portion66 could be configured with the opening 68 facing in the oppositedirection, i.e., away from the second end portion 64, as was depicted inFIG. 15. One or more of the loop portions 66, 70, 92 may include ridges(not shown), such as the ridges 42 in FIGS. 6-7, that help to secure theedge of a paint container within the particular loop portion.

FIG. 18 depicts the holder 60 from FIG. 17 secured to a paint rollertray 84 via the second loop portion 70, with the brush clip 82positioned in a raised position above the edge of the paint roller tray84. A paint brush 86 attached to the brush clip 82 is positioned withits bristles 88 inside the paint roller tray 84. In accordance with theinvention, the paint brush 86 can be positioned so that the paintbristles 88 are in contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g.,above) any paint in the paint roller tray 84. In the embodimentdepicted, the holder 60 is secured at the deep end 90 of the paintroller tray 84. The holder 60 can be positioned elsewhere on the tray84, however, depending on the particular application. The holder 60 mayalso be positioned in various manners to the tray 84, including themanners shown for the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 10-13.

Various types and sizes of paint containers could be used in accordancewith the invention, including paint cans, buckets, and trays. The paintcontainer could be formed from various materials, including metal,various plastics, and other materials. Additionally, the holder can bemade from various materials and with varying dimensions. The loopportions could be positioned on either side of the holder and at variouspositions along the length of the holder, and could have openings thatface toward the first end or second end of the holder, depending uponthe desired application.

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it will be understood that various changes and additionalvariations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elementsthereof without departing from the scope of the invention or theinventive concept thereof. In addition, many modifications may be madeto adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of theinvention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore,it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for holding a paint applicator to a paint container,comprising: a generally elongated body; a first loop portion positionedat a first position along the generally elongated body and configured toreceive the edge of a paint container; a second loop portion positionedat a second position along the generally elongated body and configuredto receive the edge of a paint container, the second positionlongitudinally spaced along the generally elongated body from the firstposition; and a clip configured to releasably hold a paint applicator.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generally elongated bodycomprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first loopportion is adjacent the first end.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherethe second loop portion is adjacent the second end.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing in a firstdirection, and the second loop portion has an opening facing in thefirst direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first loopportion has an opening facing in a first direction, and the second loopportion has an opening facing in a second direction.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the generally elongated body has a first side and asecond side, and wherein the first loop portion is attached to the firstside and the second loop portion is attached to the second side.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a third loop portionpositioned along the generally elongated body and configured to receivethe edge of a paint container.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thefirst loop portion has an opening facing in a first direction, thesecond loop portion has an opening facing in the first direction, andthe third loop portion has an opening facing in a second direction. 9.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the generally elongated body has afirst side and a second side, and wherein the first loop portion isattached to the first side, the second loop portion is attached to thefirst side, and the third loop portion is attached to the second side.10. An apparatus for holding a paint applicator, the apparatuscomprising: a first loop portion having an opening facing in a firstdirection and configured to receive the edge of a paint container; asecond loop portion having an opening facing in a second direction andconfigured to receive the edge of a paint container; and a clipconfigured to releasably hold a paint applicator.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the apparatus has a first side and a second side, andthe first loop portion is positioned on the first side of the apparatus,and the second loop portion is positioned on the second side of theapparatus.
 12. A method for securing a paint applicator to a paintcontainer, the method comprising: providing a paint container havingpaint therein defining a paint surface; providing a paint applicator;providing a holder, the holder comprising a clip configured toreleasably hold the paint applicator, the holder further comprising afirst loop portion configured to receive an edge of the paint containerand positioned at a first location on the holder, and a second loopportion configured to receive an edge of the paint container andpositioned at a second location on the holder; inserting an edge of thepaint container into the first loop portion; and inserting a portion ofthe paint applicator into the clip.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe first loop portion has an opening facing away from the clip, andinserting the edge of the paint container into the first loop portionfurther comprises positioning the clip above the edge of the paintcontainer.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first loop portionhas an opening facing away from the clip, and inserting the edge of thepaint container into the first loop portion further comprisespositioning the clip below the edge of the paint container.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein inserting a portion of the paint applicatorinto the clip occurs after inserting the edge of the paint containerinto the first loop portion, and wherein inserting a portion of thepaint applicator into the clip comprises positioning the paintapplicator entirely above the paint surface.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein inserting a portion of the paint applicator into the clipcomprises positioning at least part of the paint applicator in contactwith the paint in the paint container.
 17. A kit for painting, the kitcomprising: a paint container; a paint applicator; a holder forreleasably securing the paint applicator to the paint container, theholder comprising a clip configured to releasably hold the paintapplicator, the holder further comprising a first loop portionconfigured to receive an edge of the paint container and positioned at afirst location on the holder, and a second loop portion configured toreceive an edge of the paint container and positioned at a secondlocation on the holder.
 18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the first loopportion has an opening facing in a first direction, and the second loopportion has an opening facing in a second direction, and the seconddirection being opposite to the first direction.
 19. The kit of claim17, wherein the paint container is a tray.
 20. The kit of claim 17,wherein the paint applicator is a paint brush.